Post submitted by Mark Lee, HRC Senior Writer

HRC mourns the loss of Derricka Banner, a transgender woman who was found shot to death Tuesday morning in Charlotte, N.C.

Local LGBTQ publication qnotes reports that Banner, 26, was discovered in a vehicle early Tuesday. The report cites a local news report that misgendered and misnamed Banner.

Late Tuesday night, Montavious Sanchez Berry was arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police in connection with the killing. Berry, 18, has been charged with murder, armed robbery and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

According to family members, Banner, a resident of Lenoir, N.C., was in Charlotte on Monday evening visiting friends. Friends described her on social media as a “playful spirit” and “go-getter” who enjoyed life.

Banner’s death marks the 20th known case of a transgender person killed this year. Nearly all victims have been women of color.

Sadly, her killing follows the death of another black transgender woman in Charlotte, which this weekend will host the North Carolina Trans Pride conference. On May 16, Sherrell Faulkner died of injuries sustained in a November 2016 assault.

HRC extends its sincere condolences to Banner’s family and friends during this difficult time.